DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Partial List off Successful and Popular Plays. Large Catalogue Free. 
Price 15c each, Postpaid, Unless Different Price Is Given 



DRAMAS, COMEDIES, 
ENTERTAINMENTS, Etc. 

M. F. 

Aaron Boggs. Freshman, 3 

acts, J 'A Ins (25c) 8 8 

After the Game, 2 acts, 1>4 

hrs. (25c) 1 9 

All a Mistake, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 



v-':>c 



4 4 



American Hustler, 4 acts, 2 l / 2 

hrs (25c) 7 4 

Arabian Nights, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 4 5 
As a Woman Thinketh, 3 acts, 

j;S hrs (25c) 9 7 

At the End of the Rainbow, 3 

acts, 2*4 Ins (25c) 6 14 

Bank Cashier, 4 acts^ 2 hrs. 

(25c) 8 4 

Black Heifer, 3 act.-, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 9 3 

Brookclale Farm, 4 acts, 2 54 

hrs (25c) 7 3 

Brother Josiah, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Burns Rebellion, 1 hr (25c) 8 5 

Busy Liar, 3 acts. 2% hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

College Town, 3 acts, 234 

hrs (25c) 9 8 

Corner Drug Store, 1 hr. 

(25c) .....1714 

Danger Signal, 2 acts, 2 hrs.. 7 4 
Daughter of the Desert, 4 

acts, 254 hrs (25c) 6 4 

Down in Dixie, 4 acts, "2 l / 2 

hrs v25c) 8 4 

Dream That Game True, 3 

acts, 254 hrs (25c) 6 13 

Editor-in-Chief, 1 hr./,:. (25c) 10 
Enchanted Wood, L<4 h.(35c).Optnl.. 
Evcryyouth, 3 acts. 1 l^ hrs. 

(25c) 7 6 

Face at the Window, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 4 4 

Fascinators, 40 min (25c) 13 

Fun on the Podunk Limited, 

1% hrs (25c) 9 14 

Heiress of Hoetown, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 8 4 

High School Freshman, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 12 

Honor of a Cowboy, 4 acts, 2% 

hrs (25c) 13 4 

Indian Days, 1 hr (50c) 5 2 

In Plum Valley, 4 acts, 2 M 

hrs ' (25c) 6 4 

Iron Hand, 4 acts, 2 Ins.. (25c) 5 4 
Tayville Junction, 1% hrs. (25c) 14 17 
Kingdom of Heart's Content, 3 

acts, 254 hrs (25c) 6 12 

Lexington, 4 acts, 2J4 h. . (25c) 9 4 



M. F. 

Light Brigade, 40 min (25c) 10 

Little Buckshot, 3 acts, 2J4 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Lodge of Rye Tyes, 1 hr.(25c)13 
Lonelvville Social Club, 3 acts, 

154 hrs (25c) 10 

Man from Borneo. 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 5 2 

Man from Nevada, 4 acts, 2% 

hrs (25c) 9 5 

Mirandy's Minstrels (25c) Optol. 

New Woman, 3 acts, 1 hr.... 3 6 
Old Maid's Club, 1 )/ 2 hrs.(25c) 2 16 
Old Oaken Bucket. 4 acts 2 

hrs (2^ 8 6 

Old School at Hick'ry Holler, 

154 hrs (25c) 12 9 

On the Little Big Horn, 4 acts, 

2% hrs (25c) 10 1 

Out in the Streets, 3 acts, 1 hr. 6 4 
Prairie Rose, 4 acts, 2 y 2 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Rustic Romeo, 2 acts, 254 

hrs (25c) 10 12 

School Ma'am, 4 acts, 1)4 hrs. 6 5 
Scrap of Paper, 3 acts, 2 hrs.. 6 6 
Soldier of Fortune, 5 acts, 2% h. 8 3 
Southern Cinderella, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 7 

Third Degree. 40 rain (25c) 12 

Those Dreadful Twins, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 6 -4 

Tonv, The Convict, 5 acts, 2V 2 

hrs (25c) 7 4 

Topp's Twins, 4 acts, 2 h.(25c) 6 4 
Town Marshal, 4 acts, 254 

hrs (25c) 6 3 

Trip to Storvland, 154 hrs. (25c) 17 23 
Uncle Josh, 4 acts, 2 54 hrs. (25c) 8 3 
Under Blue Skies, 4 acts. 2 

hrs (25c) 7 10 

Under the Laurels. 5 acts, 2 hrs. 6 4 
When the Circus Came to 

Town. 3 acts. 2 r 4 hrs. (25c) 5 3 
Women Who Did, 1 hr...(25c) 17 
Yankee Detective. 3 acts, 2 hrs. 8 3 

FARCES, COMEDIETAS, Etc 

April Fools, 30 min 3 

Assessor, The. 10 min 3 2 

Baby Show at Pincville, 20 min. 19 

Bad' Job. 30 min 3 2 

Betsy Baker. 45 min 2 ! 

Billv's Chorus Girl, 25 min... 2 3 

Billy's Mishap, 20 min....... 2 3 

Borrowed Luncheon, 20 min.. 5 

Borrowing Trouble, 20 min 3 5 

Box and Cox. 35 min 2 1 

Case Against Casey, 40 min.-.. 23 
Convention of Papas, 25 min.. 7 

Country Justice, 15 min 8 

Cow that 'Kicked Chicago, 20 m. 3 2 



T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers, 154 W. Randolph St., Chicago 



Mrs. Jenkins' Brilliant 
Idea 



A COMEDY 

FOR EIGHT FEMALES 



BY 

JESSIE A. KELLEY 

AUTHOR OF 

The Peddler's Parade," "Village Post Office" "Scenes in a Res- 
taurant," "Miss Prim's Kindergarten," "Taking the Census 
in Bingiille" "Reminiscences of the Donation 
Party," "The Rummage Sale," Etc. 




CHICAGO 
S. DENISON & COMPANY 
Publishers 



Mrs. Jenkins' Brilliant Idea 



CHARACTERS. 

Mrs. Jones Who Is Chairman of the Committee 

Mrs. Smith Who Is Observing 

Mrs. Brown Who Hates Turkey Suppers 

Mrs. Lane Who Is Called a Bargain Hunter 

Mrs. Scott • Who Wants a Cake Sale 

Mrs. Rowe Who Doesn't Want an Entertainment 

Mrs. Hodge Who Is Always Late 

Mrs. Jenkins Who Has a Brilliant Idea 



Place — Any Small City. 



Time of Playing — About Thirty- five Minutes. 



COPYRIGHT, 1915. BY EBEN H. NORRIS. 

©CI.D 419:51 
2 

QGT II 1915 

'k6\ 



MRS. JENKINS' BRILLIANT IDEA. 



COSTUMES. 

The women may all wear ordinary street dress if they 
prefer, but grotesque costumes always make a "hit" and 
add much to the success of a farce. 



STAGE ARRANGEMENT. 

This comedy can be given on any platform, with or with- 
out a curtain. If given without a curtain, in arranging for 
the second scene, Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Jenkins can bring in 
a table or place one in the center of the stage, then begin 
opening bundles, etc. For the first scene a few chairs 
about the stage and a table are all that are absolutely neces- 
sary. As much more can be added as desired to make it 
look like the vestry or lecture room of a church. For the 
second scene, the same arrangement, with the addition of 
a long table on which are numerous pieces of fancy work. 
bric-a-brac, etc. Use any articles desired for the sale, the 
more ridiculous and senseless the better. 



Mrs. Jenkins' Brilliant 
Idea 



Scene I : Any room or platform on which are a few 
chairs and a table, to represent the vestry or lecture room 
of a church. 

Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Lane enter together 

Mrs. Smith (looking at watch or clock). Five minutes 
of three — time Mrs. Jones was here. 

Mrs. Lane. I can't waste any time, I'm so interested in 
this new crochet pattern. I must get right to work at it. 
(Sits down and yets out crocheting.) 

Mrs. Brown (examining). Isn't that a pretty pattern? 
I must make a sample of that. Lucky I brought my crochet 
hook along. (Gets out hook and cotton.) How many 
stitches in the chain ? 

Mrs. Lane. Chain twenty-five, then turn and put a 
double crochet in every stitch. 

Mrs. Smith. Well, I haven't time to waste on such 
foolish work — spoiling your eyes, too. 

Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Scott enter and exchange greet- 
ings with those present. 

Mrs. Jones. I asked Mrs. Rowe, Mrs. Hodge and Mrs. 
Jenkins to come. 

Mrs. Scott. Well, Mrs. Llodge never gets anywhere 
on time. She straggles into church every Sunday morning 
when the sermon is half over. I'd be ashamed. 

Mrs. Smith. Some one ought to speak to her about it. 
It must disturb the poor, dear minister. 

Mrs. Brown. Oh. let her alone. It's better late than 
never, and she does love to show off her fine clothes. 

Enter Mrs. Rowe and Mrs. Jenkins. Greetings are 

exchanged. 

4 



MRS. JENKINS' BRILLIANT IDEA. 5 

Mrs. Rowe. I hope I'm not late. I had to stop down 
town and order something for dinner tomorrow. 

Mrs. Jenkins. And I don't know as she would have 
decided what to have tonight if I hadn't helped her. 

Mrs. Jones. All here now except Mrs. Hodge and I 
think I hear her coming. 

Enter Mrs. Hodge. 

Mrs. Hodge. Am I the last one? 

Mrs. Smith. Yes, as usual. 

Mrs. Hodge. I had such a time getting my hat on at a 
becoming angle. I've hurried so I'm all out of breath. 
(To Mrs. Lane.) Isn't that the dearest pattern? I must 
learn it, but I'm doing tatting now. Do you tat? It's great 
fun. 

Mrs. Jones (wrapping on table). Ladies, we are all 
here now, so perhaps we had better begin. I presume you 
all know our Ladies' Aid Society has been divided into 
squads, each squad to try to raise twenty dollars in any 
way it sees fit. Our president asked me to be the leader 
of one squad. I have consented and I have asked all the 
ladies present to be on my committee. I have called yon 
together this afternoon to talk over plans by which we can 
make that' twenty dollars, and I shall be very glad to have 
suggestions from any of you. 

Mrs. Smith. Let's have a turkey supper. Why, Mrs. 

told me they had one at the Church and made 

over fifty dollars. (Local names may be used.) 

Mrs. Brown (snappishly). Who's going-to do the work 
for it. I'd like to know? It's all very well to say turkey 
supper, but I know some folks that are never around when 
the kitchen work is to be done. All they want to do is the 
easy dress-up part. No. sirree. I don't vote for any turkey 
supper. I most broke my back washing dishes at that old 
sink last time we had a supper — didn't get over it for a 
week. 

Mrs. Smith (scornfully). I suppose Mrs. Brown thinks 
she is hitting me when she says (imitating) "all they want 
to do is the easy dress-up work." I rather think I do as 



6 MRS. JENKINS' BRILLIANT IDEA. 

much as she does, and my husband won't let me go in the 
old kitchen and wash dishes ; so there. 

Mrs. Lane. Turkeys are dreadfully high and it is an 
awful lot of work. Can't we think of something else 
easier ? 

Mrs. Scott. I'd rather work on two cake sales than 
one supper. Why don't we have a cake sale? 

Mrs. Rowe. I know one woman that will never make 
another cake for a cake sale. 

Others (in chorus). Who? Who is it? 

Mrs. Rowe. Mrs. 

Mrs. Hodge. Why, she makes elegant cake and always 
gives. 

Mrs. Rowe. Well, she never will again. Last time she 
said her cake cost her sixty cents and they sold it for forty. 

Mrs. Jenkins. Why, I saw that cake marked se'venty- 
five cents. 

Mrs. Jones. So did I. 

Mrs. Rowe. Well, a bargain hunter (I shan't call any 
names but she's not very far away) (looks over at Mrs. 
Lane), went to buy a cake there and wanted that one, but 
she did make the greatest fuss about the price ; said it was 
exorbitant and it was simply disgraceful for the church 
folks to ask such prices. Finally she said she'd give forty 
cents for it, which was more than it was worth, and to 
stop her talk the committee let her have it for that. 

Mrs. Lane. I suppose Mrs. Rowe is talking about the 
cake I bought at your old cake sale. I want her to dis- 
tinctly understand I am no bargain hunter. I paid even- 
cent the old cake was worth, and more, too. (Flounces 
down and wipes eyes.) I shall just tell my husband what 
you say. and he'll never let me buy another one of your old 
cakes as long as I live, and I'll never make another one 
for you, either. 

Mrs. Jones. I'm sure, Mrs. Lane, that Mrs. Rowe 
didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I rather think suppers 
and cake sales have been done to death. I wish we could 
think of something different. Haven't any of you a bright 
idea? 



MRS. JENKINS* BRILLIANT IDEA. 7 

Mrs. I Eodg£. T suppose we might get up an entertain- 
ment of some sort. A farce always takes. 

Mrs. Rowe. Yes, and come night after night to re- 
hearsals when not half the people are here so we can't do 
a thing. I vowed last time I helped get up a play I'd never 
do it again. Some won't come to rehearsals and some 
won't learn their parts, and some are so "woodeny" you'd 
almost like to pound them. Do let's think of something 
else. 

Mrs. Jones. Well, what is there, then? 

Mrs. Jenkins (aside to Mrs. Smith). Wouldn't you 
think if folks were going to wear false hair, they'd have 
it match ? Part of Mrs. Jones' hair is red and part hlack. 
Isn't it something awful? 

Mrs. Smith. Perhaps she is wearing her son's college 
colors. I understand they are red and black. But do take 
a look at Mrs. Lane's hat. Did you ever see such an 
unbecoming thing? Makes her look like ten years older. 

Mrs. Jones. Can't you suggest something? I've racked 
my brain. What do you think of a rummage sale? 

Mrs. Scott. I give all my old clothes to the Salvation 
Army. 

Mrs. Lane. I have some relations who can hardly wait 
for me to get them off my back. 

Mrs. Rowe. Last time we had a rummage sale we 
didn't get enough to pay our expenses. 

Mrs. Lane. Yes, and the minister's wife has asked us 
to bring anything we have to the church for our emergency 
box. We do have so many calls for clothing. 

Mrs. Jenkins. Say, I've thought of just the thing! 

Others (in chorus). Tell us quick! I'm glad of it! 

Mrs. Jones. Won't you stand up here beside me and 
tell us your plan? 

Mrs. Jenkins. No, I should be so scared if I stood up 
I couldn't say a word and I'd surely lose my brilliant idea. 
I'm going to sit right here. 

Mrs. Rowe. Well, if she has a brilliant idea, don't for 
mercy's sake let her lose it. 



8 MRS. JENKINS' BRILLIANT IDEA. 

Mrs. Jones. Go ahead, Mrs. Jenkins ; we're all anxious 
to hear about it. 

Mrs. Jenkins. You know we all have a lot of useless, 
senseless things given us for Christmas and they have 
served their purpose with us. 

Mrs. Lane (aside). Yes, the old cracked vase she gave 
me was mighty senseless. 

Mrs. Jenkins. Let us have a rummage sale for just 
those things. You know how many of the people who 
come to the rummage sales grab at anything of that kind. 
I have a number of things I'd like to put in. What do you 
think of my brilliant idea, Mrs. Jones? 

Mrs. Jones. I think it is a fine idea and so novel. What 
do the other ladies think of it? 

Mrs. Smith. I expect we all have some white elephants 
we'd like to get rid of. I think it's all right. 

Mrs. Lane. It wouldn't cost us anything at any rate 
and it looks like an easy way to make that twenty dollars. 

Mrs. Brown (aside). Wouldn't cost anything! Let 
Mrs. Lane alone to look out for that. She wouldn't vote 
to do anything that would cost her a cent. I don't see how 
some folks can be so close. It does beat all. 

Mrs. Jones. What do you think of it, Mrs. Hodge? 

Mrs. Hodge. Oh, I have a bushel of stuff to put in. 
Let's go ahead and have it. I think we ought to give Mrs. 
Jenkins a vote of thanks for her brilliant idea. 

Mrs. Scott. I do hate to ask people for things. We 
are soliciting all the time. 

Mrs. Rowe. Huh ! I'd just as soon ask people as not. 
They can't any more than refuse, can they? 

Mrs. Lane (aside). Yes, she's cheeky enough to ask 
people to give her the clothes right off their backs. 

Mrs. Jones. I think we needn't hesitate to ask for 
these things. Remember, it is to be only the useless, sense- 
less things that have been given to us and that we want to 
get rid of. When shall we have the sale? 

Mrs. Smith. Let's have it right off. We can bring all 
we have and ask the other church ladies for theirs and 
get it over quick. 



MRS. JENKINS' BRILLIANT IDEA. 9 

Mrs. Brown. Let's get the things tonight and come 
tomorrow to put the prices on them and arrange them on 
the tables ; then have the sale the next day. 

Mrs. Jones. Do the ladies think they can do that? 

Mrs. Smith. 1 can come tomorrow. 

Mrs. Lane. I can't possibly. I'm going away to spend 
the day. 

Mrs. Scott. I've just got to stay at home tomorrow an 1 
do my mending. I've been doing so much church work- 
there isn't a stocking in the house that hasn't a big hole 
in it. 

Mrs. Rowe (aside). I should think she'd better. There's 
a big hole in the heel of the one she's got on. Mighty 
slack, I call it. 

Mrs. Jenkins. Perhaps we could the day after. 

Mrs. Jones. Would that suit the ladies better? 

Mrs. Lane. I think I can come then. 

Mrs. Scott. I'll try to. 

Mrs. Rowe. I'll come. I say if you're going to do a 
thing do it and have it over with. 

Mrs. Jones. Let's call it day after tomorrow, then, at 
three o'clock. Now, do try to collect all the # things you 
can, so we'll be sure to make that twenty dollars. If there's 
nothing else to plan I think we might start right out and 
get some of our "senseless" gifts collected this afternoon. 
( Women get ready to go. Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Lane 
put away their crocheting.) 

Mrs. Lane. I've made about three inches of my lace 

Mrs. Brown. I think I can do it all right now. 

Mrs. Hodge (to Mrs. Jenkins). I think our sale will 
be a great success. I'm so glad you thought of it. 

Mrs. Smith. I expect every church in the city will be 
having one. 

Mrs. Rowe. We'll be the first ones, anyway. Won't 
the other squads wish they had thought of it? 

Mrs. Lane. Do you think folks will buy such stuff? 

Mrs. Scott. Buy such stuff?" Yes, they'll trample one 
another under foot to get first choice. Don't you know 
how they'll fight for an old pair of lace curtains and pay 



10 MKS. JENKINS' BRILLIANT IDEA. 

five limes what they're worth, and you can't get much of 
anything for a good sensible dress if it's a little out of 
style. 

Mrs. Jenkins! Come, hurry up, everybody, or it will 
be supper time before we have done any collecting. 

Mrs. Brown. And I've got to make biscuits for supper. 

Mrs. Jones. I'm going to have oyster stew ; that doesn't 
take long. (Women go out, talking os they do so.) 

Curtain. 



Scene II : Same as Scene I with the addition of a long 
table. Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Jenkins are putting priee 
marks on the various articles arranged on the table. 

Mrs. Jenkins {holding up some article). Well, that is 
a senseless thing. What on earth do you imagine it is sup- 
posed to be used for? I don't wonder whoever had that 
given to them wanted to get rid of it. 

Mrs. Jones. I'm sure I don't . know what the thing is 
for. What do folks give such senseless things for? What 
shall we mark it? 

Mrs. Jenkins. Do you suppose anyone would be fool 
enough to g»ive a quarter for it? 

Mrs. Jones. I shouldn't think so, but let's try it. 

Mrs. Jenkins (picking up article). Did you ever know 
of anything so impudent in all your lffe? If here isn't that 

I gave Mrs. Lane last Christmas, and the saucy 

thing has marked a price on it — nine cents. That's just like 
her. She doesn't know enough to appreciate nice things. 

Mrs. Jones. Oh, dear, I hope our sale isn't going to 
make hard feelings. 

Mrs. Jenkins. Hard feelings! Well, I'll just get even 
with that spiteful jade. I'm going to run right home as 
quick as ever I can go and get that dish she gave me, and 
I'll crack it so it'll look cheaper than ever, and land knows 
it looked cheap enough before. I'll hurry so I can get back 
and get it on the table before she gets here. (Mrs. Jen- 
kins rushes out.) 

Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Brown enter with bundles. 



MRS. JENKINS' BRILLIANT IDEA. 11 

Mrs. Smith. You're here ahead of us, Mrs. Jones. 
Quite a lot of things here, too. Guess we'll make that 
twenty dollars all right. 

Mrs. Brown. Have you marked them all? 

Mrs. Jones. Oh, no ; I've just started and it's awfully 
hard to know what to mark them. 

Mrs. Smith. I wouldn't give ten cents for the whole 
bunch. (Looks at articles on table.) Did you ever? 

Here's that I gave Mrs. Scott. I spent hours and 

hours making it and the horrid old cat has put it in here. 
Wants to get rid of it, does she? Calls it a senseless gift, 

I suppose. I'm awfully glad I brought that she 

gave me. (Takes some article out of her bundle.) There, 
I leave it to you if that isn't a good example of senseless 
giving. I'll fix a price mark on it and put it where she 
can't help seeing it. I'll never give her another thing as 
long as I live. The idea of her putting my present in such 
a sale as this. Have you a pencil and paper? 

Mrs. Jones. Yes, right here. 

Mrs. Smith (writing and reading as she writes). "One 
cent, and dear at that. Will anyone be fool enough to buy 
it?" There, I rather think that will make matters even. I'll 
teach her to give away my lovely gifts. 

Mrs. Jenkins enters, also Mrs. Lane and Mrs. Rowe. 
Mrs. Jenkins attempts to put the article she went home for 
on the table without Mrs. Lane seeing it. 

Mrs. Rowe. Here's a whole lot of stuff I'm glad to get 
rid of. Strange, folks don't use any common sense in 
giving presents. Just look at these things. (Takes out ar- 
ticle after article, the more ridiculous the better.) And 
this, I think, is the worst of all. Oh! (Stops suddenly 
and tries to hide it. Aside.) Gracious! I forgot Mrs. 
Jones gave me that. 

Mrs.- Jones (who has caught a glimpse of it). I'd like 
to see (mimicing) "the worst of the lot." 

Mrs. Rowe (embarrassed and showing another article). 
Oh, yes, it was this. Isn't that too ridiculous for any- 
thine? 



12 MRS. JENKINS' BRILLIANT IDEA. 

Mrs. Jones. No, that was not it. You are trying to 

hide it but 1 saw it. Tt was that 1 gave yon last 

Christmas. 

Mrs. Rowe. Yes, it was, then, and 1 don't know as I 
care if you do know it. Perhaps it will be a lesson to you 
and you'll know better than ever to give anyone such a 
senseless gift again. 

Mrs. Jones. Perhaps you need a lesson yourself. (Goes 

to table, pieks up artieles.) Here's that you gave 

me last Christmas, and this you gave me my birth- 
day, and this you gave me the year before. All the 

rest of the trash you have given me I've put in the ash 
barrel long ago, and I only kept these around for fear 
you'd notice and ask where they were. Give me a lesson, 
indeed ! Better learn your lesson yourself first. 

Mrs. Lane (spying the gift she lias given to Mrs. Jen- 
kins). Now I know what you were trying- to sly on the 
table, Mrs. Jenkins. I was watching you out of the corner 
of my eye all the time and I can read you like a book. 
Just because I put that silly thing you gave me in the sale 
you rushed home and got the one I gave you and put it 
in. Huh! I don't care. Put it in if you want to. You are 
only spiting yourself, for you know you hate awfully to 
give up that beautiful dish. Some folks are so childish, they 
get mad over nothing. If there zvas anybody who wanted 
that thing you gave me, I'm sure I wanted them to have it. 
I'm sick to death of seeing it around. 

Enter Mrs. Scott with bundle. 

Mrs. Scott. What a lot of things ! Perhaps we'll make 
fifty dollars. Wouldn't that be lovely? I've got quite a 
lot of things here, too. (Takes out article, laughs.) Look 
at that thing, will you? Do you blame me for wanting to 
get rid of it? Isn't it the worst looking thing you ever 
saw in all your life? Can you imagine any sane person 
selecting such a gift? (Aside to Mrs. Jenktns) Mrs. 
Brown gave me that and I'm just paying her back for tell- 
ing me how old I was looking. (Aloud, holding up ar- 
ticle.) Take a good look at it, ladies. It's really such 



MRS. JENKINS' BRILLIANT IDEA. 13 

a freakish thing I ought to have put it on exhibition and 
charged admission. That would have been a good way* to 
raise the twenty dollars, wouldn't it? (Aside to Mrs. 
Jenkins.) Yes, the mean, hateful old thing is so jealous 
of me because I look so much younger and prettier than 
she does that she told me the other day I must be more 
careful of my health ; I was looking so dreadfully old and 
losing my good looks. (Aloud.) Take another look at it, 
ladies, before I put it on the table. 

Mrs. Brown (to Mrs. Scott). I heard every word you 
said to Mrs. Jenkins and you know it's all true that I told 
you. Of course you know it is and that's what makes you 
so mad. Jealous of your good looks ! I've lost more good 
looks than you ever had in your life. 

Mrs. Scott. If you ever had them you've surely lost 
them. (They glare angrily at one another.) 

Mrs. Brown (to Mrs. Smith). My husband always said 
Mrs. Scott was a dreadfully commonplace sort of a person 
and I see now she is. 

Mrs. Smith. You just watch until she sees what I've 
marked the old thing she gave me. There'll be some fun 
then. Do you know she had the audacity to put that 
lovely I gave her in this old sale? 

Enter Mrs. Hodge with bundle. 

Mrs. Hodge. Are you all ready for the sale ? We must 
put a sign up on the lawn so folks '11 know about it. 

Mrs. Brown (to Mrs. Smith). Another new*- dress ! 
I should think Mr. Hodge would get discouraged. All that 
woman thinks about is dress. That's the fourth new one 
she has had this winter, and they do say Mr. Hodge is 
likely to fail in business any time. 

Mrs. Jones. What did you bring, Mrs. Hodge? 

Mrs. Hodge. Oh, quite a lot of things. Guess I'll see 
what's here before I open my bundle. (Aside.) I brought 
something that everyone of these women gave me so I'd 
be on the safe side. ' Now I'll look the things on the table 
over and I'll know if there's anything I gave and just who 
I gave it to, and I'll be all ready for them. (Looks at 



14 MRS. JENKINS' BRILLIANT IDEA. 

articles on table.) Why, here's this little image Mrs. Locke- 
has had on her mantel-piece for the last fifty years, 1 
should think. 

Mrs. Smith. J can't remember when it wasn't there. 
I should think she would feel it was parting with one of 
the family to part with that. 

Mrs. . Rowe. I should think she'd hope it would be 
a parting with a no hope of meeting again, either here or 
hereafter. 

Mrs. Scott. I've heard that it belonged to Mr. Locke's 
first wife and he was bound it should stay just where she 
put it. 

Mrs. Hodge (aside). Just as I expected. There's some- 
thing here of mine from every one of these mean creatures, 
but I'll turn the tables on them good. (Aloud, Very 
sweetly.) Now, do come, ladies, and see my collection. 
(Opens bundle, ladies gather around.) It's like Barnum's 
circus, the most wonderful and, I might add. the most 
senseless aggregation on the face of the earth. We were 
to bring the useless, senseless gifts and you'll say that's 
what I have brought when you see them. First, let me 

show you this , warranted to be absolutely good for 

nothing. 

Mrs. Jones. I call that a downright insult. I gave you 
that myself. 

Mrs. Hodge. Really, I can hardly believe it possible. 

Next is this , and if it has a use no one has as yet 

discovered it. 

Mrs. Smith. Lias a use; indeed! Anybody that had a 
particle of brains would know its use. I gave you that 
and it is a very useful article. 

Mrs. Hodge. My husband said the only use he could 
see for it was to encumber the earth. (Mrs. Smith and 
Mrs. Jones go aside, whisper, east black looks at Mrs. 
Hodge, etc.) Next is this what-do-you-call-it. I've never 
been able to even name it. 

Mrs. Brown. You impudent, wretched creature! After 
all the time I spent making it for you. (Mrs. Brown 
weeps and wipes eves.) 



MRS. JENKINS' BRILLIANT IDEA. 15 

Mrs. Lane (to Mrs. Scott). Let's not look at anything 
else she has. I believe she's brought something from each 
one of us. 

Mrs. Scott. I don't see how some folks can show such 
a disagreeable, spiteful spirit. 

Mrs. Rowe (to Mrs. Jenkins). Let's go over to the 
table and leave her alone. I won't give her the satisfac- 
tion of letting her show me what I gave her. 

Mrs. Jenkins. That's what made her so late — hunting 
up all those things. Cat! (Women gather around table, 
marking articles and looking things over. Mrs. Hodge puts 
the rest of the things site has brought on the table.) 

Mrs. Hodge {sweetly). I know you are all too busy to 
waste much time looking at the things I brought, but (sar- 
castically.) I rather think you'll see them all just the same. 

Mrs. Scott (spies the article Mrs. Smith has marked, 
reads aloud.) "One cent and dear at that. Will anyone be 
fool enough to buy it?" (Goes over to Mrs. Smith, very 
wrathy.) I'd have you understand that I paid two dollars 
for that and it's two dollars more than you'll ever get 
from me again. 

Mrs. Smith. Two dollars indeed! I saw bushels of 
them in the ten-cent store and no one would buy them even 
at that price. Two dollars, indeed! {Laughs scornfully.) 

Mrs. Scott. It was a mean, contemptible trick to put 
such a beautiful gift in here at all, but when you write 
such lies as that on it, it is adding insult to injury, and 
I'll never speak to you again as long as I live, and what's 
more I'm not going to stay here any longer to be insulted 

Mrs. Smith. I guess I won't lose a wink of sleep over 
it if you don't ever speak to me again. 

Mrs. Scott. Who cares whether you do or not? 
(Exit.) t 

Mrs. Hodge. I'm going home, too, and I think I shall 
resign from this society and join the Ladies' Aid Society 

of the Church. They know enough to be polite to 

people, which is more than can be said of some people I 
know. (Hasty exit.) 



16 MRS. JENKINS' BRILLIANT IDEA. 

Mrs. Smith. I don't see bow so many disagreeable 
women ever got into one church. I'm going right borne 
and tell my husband all about it. Come on, Mrs. Lane. 

Mrs. Lane. I know one thing; it will be a long, long 
time before I ever work on a sale in this church again. 
(Mrs. Lane and Mrs. Smith go out.) 

Mrs. Brown. My head aches dreadfully and I never 
want to hear the words "rummage sale" as long as I live. 

Mrs. Rowe. Neither do I. We never had such a dis- 
graceful time in our church. I'm going home. 

Mrs. Brown. So am I. 

Mrs. Jones. But what are we going to do with all this 
stuff? 

Mrs. Brown. I don't know and I don't care. 

Mrs. Rowe. I wish the old stuff had all been burned 
instead of being brought here to make all this trouble. 
Come along, Mrs. Brown ; let's get out of here quick. 
( Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Rowe go out.) 

Mrs. Jones (to Mrs. Jenkins). What shall we do with 
all this stuff? It's no use; we never can sell it after all this 
fuss. 

Mrs. Jenkins. Let's get a basket or barrel and pile it 
all in and ask the janitor to burn it. I don't see anything 
else to do with it. 

Mrs. Jones. T don't either. I'll go get a barrel. (Mrs 
Jones goes out, brings in barrel, they put everything in it, 
making remarks about some of the tilings and tlie people 
:<'Jio gave them.) 

Mrs. Jenkins. I'll call the janitor and have him take 
it right out of sight. It makes me sick to look at it. 
(Steps to door, calls.) Mr. Hale, Mr. Hale: will you 
come and get this barrel of stuff and burn it up just as 
quick as ever you can? 

Janitor enters and takes out barrel. 

Mrs. Jones. There goes my twenty dollars. 

Mrs. Jenkins. And my brilliant idea. 

Mrs. Jones. And I'm afraid we've broken up the so- 



MRS. JENKINS' BRILLIANT IDEA. 17 

cietv. Oh, clear! I don't believe I think much of this squad 
business. I'm going home and have a good cry. 

Mrs. Jenkins. No use; might as well laugh as cry. 
(Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Jenkins go out.) 

Curtain. 



Macbeth a la Mode 

By WALTER BEN HARE. 
Price, 25 Cents 
School burletta in 3 acts; 7 males, 7 females, also teachers, 
students, etc., with only a few lines. Time, l 1 /* hours. No scenery 
required, merely a front curtain and an easel with placards an- 
nouncing scenes. Plot: Willie Macbeth is the social leader of the 
Senior Class. With his friend Banquo he encounters Three 
Witches, who prophecy that he will pass his examinations, be 
elected to a class office and will play on the football team. The 
first two prophecies come true and in Act IT, Lady Macbeth, his 
mother, arranges for him to play on the football team, by drugging" 
the captain. Macbeth flies to the witches for further advice and 
learns that he will make a touchdown. lie does, but runs with 
the ball toward the enemy's goal, thus losing the game for his 
own team. Contains five songs: "Fairwell, My Fairy Fay," 
"Tact," "The Senior Class," "Music and Laughter" and "Good 
Night," all sung to college airs. This play is very humorous and 
particularly adapted for schools. 

THE WITCHES' CHANT 



Round about the cauldron go; 

Mathematics you must know. 

Let X equal the cold stone, 

When will Y be thirty-one? 

Drop that in the mystic pan; 

Tell me, pray, how old is Ann? 

Double, double, boil and bubble, 

Mathematics makes them trou- 
ble. 

Fillet of a fenny snake, 

In the cauldron boil and bake; 

Eye of newt and toe of frog, 

Wool of bat and tongue of dog, 

Biology makes 'em cut and jab. 

Thirteen hours a week in lab. 

Latin, Greek and German, too,. 

Fifty pages make a stew. 

And to thicken up the mystery. 

Take two chapters English His- 
tory. 

Physics, French and English Lit. 



Spend an hour on each or git. 
All night long from six to three, 
Study math and chemistry. 
In the hours when you should 

dream, 
Write an English twelve-page 

theme. 
Work at night and Sunday, too. 
Outside reading you must do. 
Next day, when you're on the 

bunk. 
Teacher springs exam — you 

flunk. 
Double, double, boil and bubble, 
High school life is full of trouble. 
Cool it with a Freshman's blood, 
Then the charm is thick and 

good. 
By the pricking of my thumbs, 
Something wicked this w a y 

comes. 



Reminiscences of the Donation Party 

By JESSIE A. KELLEY. 

Price, 25 Cents 

The soliloquy of a minister's wife, with tableaux. For 40 or 
more characters, both sexes, although the number is optional and 
it can be presented with" a smaller cast. Time, about 35 minutes. 
The wife at the side of the stage recounts the many amusing 
incidents of the party, tells who attended and what they brought, 
etc. The characters appear in pantomime. This entertainment is 
unique. It fills the demand for something that can be put on "at 
the last moment." It eliminates the usual long preparations re- 
quired in producing a play; no parts to memorize and it can be 
played on any platform. Highly humorous, replete with local hits 
and strongly recommended for church societies. 



T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



The Royal Highway 

By CHARLES ULRICH. 

Price, 25 Cents 

A comedy-drama in 4 acts; 8 males, 3 females. Time, 2V 2 
hours. Scenes: 3 interiors. Characters: Arthur Morgan, a law- 
yer. Charles Williams, a mine superintendent. Bill Hampton, a 
political boss. Harry Felton, a clerk. Horace Allen, a secretary. 
Rev. Jordan, a Methodist minister. Jimmy Farrell, an ex-convict. 
Sam Harrison, a detective. Margaret Ames, known as Miss 
Holmes. Lucy Matthews, a stenographer. Mrs. Mary Jones, presi- 
dent of the Ladies' Aid Society. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I.— The game of modern politics. The bribe. Morgan 
defies a political boss. "I'll crush you like I would a fly!" An 
anonymous philanthropist. The compact and avowal of love. The 
robbery and accusation. Margaret saves Morgan's honor. "No. 
it wa^ Providence!" 

Act II. — "I wish I had a millionaire friend like Miss Ames!" 
Farrell butts in. "Youse is playing a game of hearts what ain't 
in your contract." Williams divides the spoils. Margaret defies 
Williams, "Where did you get that money?" A villian's kiss and 
punishment. The power of attorney. "You'll be at my feet cry- 
ing for mercy!" 

Act III. — "Who is this anonymous philanthropist?" "The New 
York police are looking for you!" The tables turned. "I'll get 
your measure all right!" The story of Morgan's sorrow. "I could 
not forgive the woman who deceived me!" The nomination and 
accusation. Margaret's joy. "You are indeed a man among men!" 
Act IV. — "This suspense is driving me mad!" The letter. "I'm 
on the track of the man who killed my sister!" The convict's 
secret. "Williams was my pal in Sing Sing!" Margaret reveals 
herself. "Gee! She's an iceberg!" "How little you know of true 
love!" Williams pays the penalty of treachery. Harry's promo- 
tion. On the royal highway. 

Re-Taming of the Shrew 

By JOHN W. POSTGATE. 

Price, 25 Cents 

Humorous Shakespearean travesty in one act; 6 males, 5 females. 
Time, about 45 minutes. One simple interior scene. Characters: 
Petruchio, Angelo, Duke of Illyria, Othello, Macbeth, Grumio, 
Katherine, Mariana, Viola. Desdemonia and Lady Macbeth. Plot: 
After her woeful honeymoon, Katherine becomes an ardent suf- 
fragist and imposes household duties on Petruchio. who submits 
to petticoat government. At a meeting of the women, man's doom 
as a political or domestic power is announced. The women return 
to Petruchio's home to find their husbands having a high old time. 
A lively controversy ensues but the men win the day when they 
threaten to appeal to the divorce courts. This travesty draws 
material from "Taming of the Shrew," "Measure for Measure," 
"Twelfth Night," "Othello" and "Macbeth." It retains many of 
the original lines from the plays, yet most ingeniously devised to 
fit the conditions of today. Costumes either Shakespearean or 
modern. Especially recommended for schools, colleges, etc. Re- 
plete with humor and should please any good club or society. 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



The Deacon Entangled 

By HARRY OSBORNE. 
Price, 25 Cents 

Comedy in 3 acts; 6 males, i females. Time, 2 hours. Scene: 
1 interior. Characters: Deacon Penrose, a member in good stand- 
ing. Calvin, his nephew. Rev. Sopher, a supporter of foreign mis- 
sions Harry Baxter, a sporting writer. Rafferty, a policeman. 
A Plain Clothes Man. Mrs. Penrose. Ruth, her daughter. 
Georgie, Rev. Sopher' s daughter. Katy, a maid. 
SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — In which the Deacon finds himself in a tight corner. 
Dr. Sopher, who can coax money out of a wooden Indian. A thou- 
sand dollars for the new pipe organ. Cal arrives. A elean-up- 
clouter instead of a ministerial prospect. "Did I forget my necktie 
and button my collar in the back?" The Deacon spends a night 
out. "We won't go home until morning." 

Act II. — The raid on the gambling joint. "Why didn't you 
jump when I told you." On bail. "A thousand dollars to the Doc 
or you lose your job as Deacon; a thousand to the judge or six 
months." A sporting chance. Ready for the game. A donation 
to Foreign Missions and a double barreled courtship. The elope- 
ment. The arrest. "Come on Cal, I'll see you through." 

Act III. — The big game. Tied in the Tenth. Cal goes to the 
box. A Pinch Hitter. "Over the scoreboard." On the Deacon's 
trail — the Horse pistol — pay the fine or go to jail. A hair line 
finish. "Hold on, Copper." "Here's your thousand and here's 
your girl. Look happy and have your picture taken." A new 
son-in-law. "Bother Boarding School." The Deacon smiles. 

A Trial of Hearts 

By LINDSEY BARBEE. 

Price, 25 Cents 

College comedy in 4 acts; 6 males, 18 females. Time, 2*4 hours. 
Scenes: 3 interiors, 1 exterior. Characters: Dudley Van Antwerp, 
a wealthy college man. Philip, his best friend. Roger, Teddy, 
Jack and Jerry, fraternity men. Mrs. Van Antwerp, of great im- 
portance. Honor, Dudley's wife. Fourteen lively sorority girls. A 
chaperone and a maid. 

SYNOPSIS. 

Act I. — Gretchen and Jerry play Romeo and Juliet. Ted pleads 
llic cause of Kappa Psi. Jack argues for Delta Chi. Dudley intro- 
duces Honor to his mother. Virginia learns of Dudley's marriage. 
"I want to go home — oh, I want to go home!" 

Act II. — The football enthusiasts bring news of Barbara. 
Gretchen and Jerry study Latin and argue fraternity. Honor finds 
it all a little strange. 1 Hidley tells Virginia his love story. "Oh, 
Dudley, you hurt me!" "There's nothing left for me but to go away!" 

Act. III. — "I wonder if people ever get too busy to care!" 
Mrs. Van Antwerp opens fire and Honor stands her ground. "I 
mean to stay!" "I wish I had no heart — it aches so!" "Dear 
little girl, it is good-bye." Honor hears Dudley declare his love 
for Virginia. "Oh, Dad -Dad — your little girl is coming home!" 

Act IV. — Gretchen and Jerry "grow up." The Seniors toast 
the past, the present and the future. Mrs. Van Antwerp reproaches 
herself. "Here comes the bride." The Kappa Psis and the Delta 
Chi holds reunions. "Honor, is it really you?" "If you want me, 
I am here." 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Price 15 Cents Each, Postpaid, Unless Different Price Is Given 



M. F. 

Documentary Evidence, _'5 min. 1 1 

Dude in a Cyclone, JO min.... 4 2 

Family Strike, JO min 3 3 

First-Class Hotel, JO rain.... 4 

For Love and Honor, JO min.. J 1 

Fudge and a Burglar, 15 min.. 5 
Fun in a Photograph Gallery, 

30 min 6 10 

Great Doughnut Corporation, 

30 min 3 5 

Great Medical Dispensary, 30 m. 6 
Great Pumpkin Case. 30 min.. 12 

Hans Von Smash. 30 min.... 4 3 

Happy Pair, J5 min 1 1 

I'm Not Mesilf at All, 25 min. 3 J 
Initiating a Granger, 25 rainr. 8 

Irish Linen Peddler, 40 min... 3 3 

Is the Editor In? 20 min... 4 J 

Kansas Immigrants, JO min... 5 1 

Men Not Wanted, 30 min.... 8 

Mike Donovan's Courtship. 15 m. 1 3 

Mother Goose's Goslings, 30 m. 7 9 

Mrs. Carver's Fancy Ball, 40 m. 4 3 
Mrs. Stubbins' Book Agent to 

min 3 J 

My Lord in Livery, 1 hr.... 4 3 

My Neighbor's Wife. 45 min.. 3 3 

My Turn Next <*? min 4 3 

My Wife's Relations. 1 hr. . . . 4 6 

Not a Man in the House, 40 m. ^ 5 

Obstinate Family, 40 min 3 3 

Only Cold Tea." JO min 3 3 

Outwitting the Colonel, J5 min. 3 J 

Pair of Lunatics, 20 min 1 1 

Patsy O'Wang, 35 min....... 4 3 

Pat, the Apothecary, 35 min.. 6 2 

Persecuted Dutchman, 30 min. 6 3 

Regular Fix, 35 min 6 4 

Rough Diamond. 40 min 4 3 

Second Childhood. 15 min.... 2 2 

Smith, the Aviator, 40 min... 2 3 

Taking Father's Place. 30 min. 5 3 

Taming a Tiger, 30 min 3 

That Rascal Pat, 30 min..... 3 2 

Those Red Envelopes, 25 min. 4 4 
Too Much of a Good Thing, 45 

min 3 6 

Treasure from Egypt, 45 min. 4 1 

Turn Him Out. 35 min 3 2 

Two Aunts and a Photo, 20 m. 4 

Two Bonnycastlcs, 45 min.... 3 3 
Two Gentlemen in a Fix, 15 m. 2 

Two Ghosts in White, 20 min.. 8 

Two of a Kind. 40 min 2 3 

Uncle Dick's Mi-take. 20 min.. 3 2 

Wanted a Correspondent, 45 m. 4 4 

Wanted a Hero. 20 min 1 1 

Which Will lie Marry? JO min. 2 S 

Who Ts WhcC 40 min . . 3 J 

Wide Enough for Two. 45 min. 5 J 

Wrong I'.abv, 25 min S 

Yankee Peddler. 1 hr 7 3 



VAUDEVILLE SKETCHES, MON- 
OLOGUES, ETHIOPIAN PLAYS. 

M. F. 

Ax'in" Her Father, 25 min.... J 3 
Booster Club of Blackville, 25 m.H) 
Breakfast Food for Two, _0 m. 1 I 

Cold Finish. 1 5 min J 1 

Coon Creek Courtship, 15 min. 1 1 
Coming Champion, 20 min.... J 
Coontown Thirteen Club, J5 m. 14 

Counterfeit Bills. 20 min 1 1 

Doings of a Dude. 20 min.... J 1 

J hitch Cocktail, 20 min 2 

Five Minutes from Yell Col- 
lege. 15 min 2 

For Reform. 20 min 4 

Fresh Timothy Hay, JO min.. 2 1 
Glickman, the Glazier, 25 min. I 1 
Handy Andy (Negro), 1J min. J 

Her Hero, JO min 1 I 

Hey, Rube! 15 min 1 

Home Run, 15 min 1 1 

Hot Air, 25 min 2 1 

Jumbo Turn. 30 min 4 3 

Little Red School House. 20 m. 4 

Love and Lather, 35 min 3 2 

Marriage and After, 10 min.. 1 
Mischievous Nigger. 25 min.. 4 J 

Mistaken Miss, JO min 1 1 

Mr. and Mrs. Fido. JO min.... 1 1 
Mr. Badger's Uppers, 40 min. 4 J 
One Sweetheart for Two, JO m. J 
Oshkosh Next Week. 20 min . . 4 

Oyster Stew. 10 min 2 

Pete Vansen*s GuiTs Aloder, 10 

min 1 

Pickles for Two. 15 min J 

Pooh Bah of Peaeetown. 35 min. 2 J 
Prof. Black's Funnygraph, 15 m. 6 

Recruiting Office, 15 min J 

Sham Doctor. 10 min 4 J 

Si and I, 1 5 min 1 

Special Sale. 15 min 2 

Stage Struck Darky, 10 min.. J 1 
Sunny Son of Italv. 15 min.. 1 

Time" Table, JO min 1 1 

Tramp and the Actress, JO min. 1 1 
Troubled by Ghosts, 10 min... 4 
Troubles of Rozinski, 15 min.. 1 
Two Jay Detectives, 15 min.. 3 
Tmbreila Mender. 15 min.... 2 
Uncle Bill at the Vaudeville. 

15 min 1 

Uncle Teff, 25 min 5 J 

Who Gits de Reward ? 30 min. 5 1 



A great number of 

Standard and Amateur Plays 

not found here are listed in 

Denison's Catalogue 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



POPULAR ENTERTAINMI 

Price, Illustrated Paper Covers, 28 g gj-y 400 017 





•.S.DENISON 

I COMPANY 

WWUSHERS CHICAGO 



IX this Scries 
are f o u n d 
books touching 
every feature 
in the enter- 
tainment field. 
Finely made, 
good paper, 
clear print and 
each book has 
an attractive 
individual cov- 
J er design. 



DIALOGUES 

All Sorts of Dialogues. 

Selected, fine for older pupils. 
Catchy Comic Dialogues. 

Very clever; for young people. 
Children's Comic Dialogues. 

From six to eleven years of age. 
Dialogues for District Schools. 

For country schools. 
Dialogues from Dickens. 

Thirteen selections. 
The Friday Afternoon Dialogues. 

Over 50,000 copies sold. 
From Tots to Teens. 

Dialogues and recitations. 
Humorous Homespun Dialogues. 

For older ones. 
Little People's Plays. 

From 7 to 13 years of age. 
Lively Dialogues. 

For all ages; mostly humorous. 
Merry Little Dialogues. 

Thirty-eight original selections. 
When the Lessons are Over. 

Dialogues, drills, plays. 
Wide Awake Dialogues. 

Brand new, original, successful. 

SPEAKERS, MONOLOGUES 

Choice Pieces for Little People. 

A child's speaker. 
The Comic Entertainer. 

Recitations, monologues, dialogues. 
Dialect Readings. 

Irish, Dutch. Negro. Scotch, etc. 
The Favorite Speaker. 

Choice prose and poetry. 
The Friday Afternoon Speaker. 

For p .pils of all ages. 
Humorous Monologues. 

Particularly for ladies. 
Monologues for Young Folks. 

Clever, humorous, original. 
Monologues Grave and Gay. 

Dramatic and humorous. 
The Patriotic Speaker. 

Master thoughts of ma-ter minds. 



The Poetical Entertainer. 
For reading or speaking. 
Pomes ov the Peepul. 

Wit, humor, satire, funny poems. 
Scrap- Book Recitations. 

Choice collections, pathetic, hu- 
morous, descriptive, prose, 
poetry. 14 Nos., per No. 25c. 

DRILLS 

The Best Drill Book. 

Very popular drills and marches. 
The Favorite Book of Drills. 

Drills that sparkle with originality. 
Little Plays With Drills. 

For children from 6 to 1 1 years. 
The Surprise Drill Book. 

Fresh, novel, drills and marches. 

SPECIALTIES 

The Boys' Entertainer. 

Monologues, dialogues, drills. 
Children's Party Book. 

Invitations, decorations, games. 
The Days We Celebrate. 

Entertainments for all the holidays. 
Good Things for Christmas. 

Recitations, dialogues, drills. 
Good Things for Thanksgiving. 

A gem of a book. 
Good Things for Washington 

and Lincoln Birthdays. 
Little Folks' Budget. 

Easy pieces to speak, songs. 
One Hundred Entertainments. 

New parlor diversions, socials. 
Patriotic Cejebrations. 

Great variety of material. 
Pranks and Pastimes. 

Parlor games for children. 
Private Theatricals. 

How to put on plays. 
Shadow Pictures, Pantomimes, 

Charades, and how to prepare. 
Tableaux and Scenic Readings. 

.New and novel: for all ages. 
Twinkling Fingers and Sway- 
ing Figures. For little tots. 
Yuletide Entertainments. 

A choice Christmas collection. 

MINSTRELS, JOKES 

Black American Joker. 

Minstrels' and end men's gags. 
A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. 

Monologues, stum]) speeches, etc. 
Laughland, via the Ha-Ha Route. 

A merry trip for fun tourists. 
Negro Minstrels. 

All about the business. 
The New Jolly Jester. 

Funny stories, jokf.s, gags, etc. 

Large Illustrated Catalogue Free 



T.S.DENISON& COMPANY, Publishers, 154 W. Randolph St., Chicagt 



